Nitrogen-rich metal-organic framework mediated Cu–N–C composite catalysts for the electrochemical reduction of CO2

Cu-based MOFs, i.e., HKUST-1, etc., have been pertinently chosen as the pristine materials for CO2ER due to the unique ability of copper for generation hydrocarbon fuel. However, the limited conductivity and stability become the stumbling-block that prevents the development of it. The exploring of MOFs-derived M−C materials starts a new chapter for the MOFs precursors, which provides a remarkable electronic connection between carbon matrix and metals/metal oxides. N-doped M−N−C with extensive M−N sites scattering into the carbon matrix are more popular because of their impressive contribution to catalytic activity and specific product selectivity. Nevertheless, Cu–N–C system remained undeveloped up to now. The lack of ideal precursor, the sensitivity of Cu to be oxidized, and the difficulties in the synthesis of small size Cu nanoparticles are thus known as the main barriers to the development of Cu–N–C electrocatalysts. Herein, a nitrogen-rich Cu–BTT MOF is employed for the derivation of N-doped Cu–N–CT composite electrocatalysts by the pyrolyze method. High-temperature pyrolysis product of Cu–N–C1100 exhibits the best catalytic activity for productions of CO (−0.6 V vs. RHE, jCO = 0.4 mA/cm2) and HCOOH (−0.9 V vs. RHE, jHCOOH = 1.4 mA/cm2).